There's A First Time For Everything - A Pop-Up Social
A good friend of mine owns a salon in my Ann Arbor, and she agreed to let me host a Pop-Up Social at her salon for the day. She even agreed to host a special for the whole day - 50% off haircuts to anyone who buys from me. What a deal, right?! I was shocked and thrilled. I started anticipating loads of orders and contacts as I was preparing for the social. Let's just say, I was wrong.
I ended up with exactly one order, and I don't remember how many people took my catalogues or business cards but it was definitely less than ten. I spent hours just sitting around, attempting not to look bored or eager. Many may have thought I wasted my time, that I didn't get back what I put in. However, I disagree.
The following day, I talked to a woman higher up in the KEEP Collective company than I am (meaning she has been promoted several times above me) and she told me that I was lucky to even get one order at the salon. She said that the whole purpose of a Pop-Up Social is to get your name out there and make contacts. She reminded me to be grateful for what I had accomplished, and not to dwell on the unrealistic expectations I had come up with prior to the social.
Lessons Learned:
- Strategize with the host of your Pop-Up Social - Ask them to advertise for you and tell all of their clients about your special of the day
- Don't have expectations - Be grateful for the experience and any orders or contacts at all
- Make it your primary goal to get your name out there and don't concern yourself with getting orders or anything else
- Tell the receptionist to reiterate your special of the day and have her redirect them to your booth if they are interested
- Be proud of yourself for being courageous enough to try something new and vulnerable
- Put in the time, it will pay off eventually
“Courage is a self-inflicted quality that gains momentum every time you try it.”